Coffee and red wine are my vices of choice, and both of which, I’m ideally consuming in double servings. Using the best whitening toothpaste (plus a great electric toothbrush) is my daily ritual to fighting unsightly stains. Now, I’m not in pursuit of otherworldly white, chiclet chompers. It’s completely normal for teeth to get discolored, especially when you (I) make a habit of drinking the aforementioned beverages on a routine basis (tea time isn’t any better, mind you).
That said, I’m not above seeking a little boost when my smile starts veering too far into cold brew territory—and there’s a few ways one can go about it without needing to book a professional whitening treatment, which, while potent, can sometimes cause sensitivity. A gentler solution to tackling discoloration? A squeeze of a whitening toothpaste. Sure, you won’t get the most dramatic results, but there can be noticeable change. But don’t just take it from me—take it from the pros. According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Lauren Becker, teeth whitening toothpastes work by removing surface stains with abrasive particles that target those stubborn extrinsic stains.
Vogue’s Favorite Whitening Toothpastes:
In This Story:
So do any and all whitening toothpastes actually live up to the promise of pearly whites? Not quite. Board-certified cosmetic dentist Anjali Rajpal explains that the effectiveness, enamel safety, and abrasiveness of a toothpaste all depend upon its specific formulation.
“Whitening toothpastes are not all created equally—they differ in active ingredients, abrasives, and whitening methods. Some rely mainly on mild abrasives like silica to scrub away surface stains, while others add chemical whiteners like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to actually break down stain molecules,” Dr. Rajpal says. Other toothpastes only add brighteners to create the illusion of whiter teeth. [can we elaborate on what these are / how long they might last? they are just temporary fixes right…]
Below, we asked a host of board-certified dentists what to look for in a whitening toothpaste and rounded up 10 of our favorites on the market.
Best Overall: Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: You may have grown up with Crest, but the brand continues to innovate year after year. This whitening toothpaste, in particular, has the stamp of approval from board-certified dentist Dr. Jaskaren Randhawa. She says, “It effectively removes surface stains and provides a noticeable brightening effect without damaging tooth enamel, making it a reliable option for regular use. It also contains safe levels of fluoride, which prevents cavities by strengthening enamel, resisting acid attacks, and promoting remineralization, helping maintain strong, healthy teeth.” Dr. Becker agrees, adding, “My patients mention they’ve seen a noticeable whitening results after just a few days.”
- Key Ingredients: Sodium hexametaphosphate
- Size: 4.6 oz
Best with Charcoal: Hello Epic Whitening with Charcoal
- Why We Love It: When it comes to whitening trends, activated charcoal toothpaste has gained a loyal following. “This toothpaste uses activated charcoal to polish away surface stains and give a brighter appearance. It’s a fluoride-free natural refreshing formula,” says LA-based cosmetic dentist Dr. Rajpal. “However, because charcoal’s long-term safety on enamel is still debated due to its potential abrasives, it is best to use it occasionally rather than as your daily toothpaste.”
- Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, coconut oil, glycerin
- Size: 4 oz
Best Fluoride-Free Formula: Boka Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Randhawa, this toothpaste is a great option for those who prefer a fluoride-free formula. “It uses nano hydroxyapatite, which can help repair and remineralize enamel, preventing cavities and strengthening teeth,” she adds. It’s also safe for sensitive teeth and free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial flavors and colors, meaning you and your kids can use it with peace of mind. On top of that, there’s a wide range of elevated flavors to choose from, including Elemint, which features a touch of cardamom, yuzu mint, lemon lavender, and more.
- Key Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate (natural baking soda), nano-hydroxyapatite
- Size: 4 oz
Best for Deeper Stains: Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Another brand you’ve surely found at-home in your bathroom cabinet? Colgate. The brand’s advanced toothpaste, contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, which effectively removes both surface and deeper stains for a whitening effect , explains Dr. Randhawa. “This concentration is safe for enamel when used as directed, providing gentle whitening without significant damage. Combined with fluoride, it helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, making it an excellent choice for both whitening and long-term oral health.” Plus, the brand’s studies cite that when brushing twice daily for two
- Key Ingredients: Sodium monofluorophosphate, hydrated silica
- Size: 3.2 oz
Best for General Oral Health: GuruNanda Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste with Neem
- Why We Love It: Another ingredient making waves in oral care is nano-hydroxyapatite, a fluoride alternative praised for its enamel-strengthening benefits—and Dr. Rajpal names this pick a safe and effective option for overall oral health. “This toothpaste strengthens and remineralizes enamel using nano-hydroxyapatite, a substance that naturally mimics tooth structure and is an alternative to fluoride” says Dr. Rajpal, noting it also helps to reduce sensitivity and protect against cavity development. Meanwhile, natural botanicals and essential oils such as aryvedic neem and jasmine “help control plaque, reduce bacteria, and promote fresher breath,” Rajpal adds.
- Key Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite, neem, coconut oil, peppermint oil, jasmine oil
- Size: 4.2 oz
Best with Natural Ingredients: Lumineux Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Lumineux, a relatively new brand founded by Beverly Hills’s premier cosmetic dentist Dr. Kourosh Maddahi in 2015, has been a go-to recommendation for Dr. Becker ever since its launch. “This toothpaste caters to people with sensitivity, which feels like a major breakthrough in the teeth-whitening world,” she says. And if you’re worried about those dreaded zingers, she adds, “I like that it whitens teeth without any discomfort.” The secret sauce (or paste) lies in its simple ingredient list, which features recognizable pantry staples like coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel, and Dead Sea salt. I love pairing it with the brand’s whitening mouthwash to feel extra confident heading out the door.
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel, Dead Sea salt
- Size: 3.75 Fl. oz
Best for Professional-Grade Whitening: Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: According to cosmetic dentist Dr. Lilya Horowitz, if you’ve never heard of the brand, there’s little need to be wary: “Opalescence White is a product by Ultradent, which also manufactures many professional dental products that we use in our office.” It’s a great alternative to the brand’s more intense take-home bleaching gels. “It contains fluoride to strengthen your enamel and promises an effective whitening experience with minimal sensitivity.” The key is to use it daily, as the brand claims it can remove surface stains and lighten teeth by up to two shades in just one month.
- Key Ingredients: Sodium fluoride
- Size: 4.7 oz
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Clinical White Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: Who among us hasn’t been recommended Sensodyne after using dental products that were just too harsh? Free from hydrogen peroxide, which often triggers sensitivity, this toothpaste is gentle enough for daily use. It’s especially effective on surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco. As highlighted in the brand’s clinical studies, its whitening ingredients polish teeth and lift stains, making them two shades whiter in just eight weeks with twice-daily use. Dr. Horowitz adds, “Whitening can be especially harsh on sensitive teeth, so this product offers a well-rounded option for those who might typically steer clear of whitening products.” I find that the toothpaste foams up nicely when I use it, which feels incredibly satisfying on the taste buds.
- Key Ingredients: Alumina, silica, potassium nitrate
- Size: 3.4 oz
Best for Fresh Breath: Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: If aesthetics matter to you (Tauruses, welcome), you’ve probably already been drawn to Marvis. But beyond its aesthetically-pleasing packaging, this toothpaste works wonders by whitening teeth and helping prevent tooth decay, tartar, and plaque. Each tube is made in Florence, Italy, and is fluoride-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Plus, it has a refreshing cool mint scent, so you can enjoy both brighter teeth and fresher breath. The brand also offers a mini version that’s super-easy to travel with—and a perfect excuse to brag that you’ve got your life extra-together, unlike those who have to rush to the drugstore as soon as they land because they forgot to pack their toothpaste.
- Key Ingredients: 3.8 oz
- Size: 3.8 oz
Best for a Quick Fix: Ktnitar Purple Toothpaste
- Why We Love It: For a temporary, camera-ready smile, some products rely on color-correcting technology rather than traditional whitening methods. Think of it like a color-correcting concealer rather than a brightening serum. “This product works by using a purple tint to visually cancel out yellow tones on teeth. The effect is immediate but temporary, making it useful for short-term cosmetic purposes like photos or events. It does not actually remove stains or improve oral health,” says Dr. Rajpal.
- Key Ingredients: Xylitol, glycerin, sorbitol
- Size: 1 fl oz
Everything You Need to Know
Does whitening toothpaste actually work?
Yes, but Dr. Randhawa advises keeping your white teeth expectations realistic—so, don’t expect deep stains to suddenly disappear. She explains that whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, and lifestyle habits like smoking. However, they aren’t as effective at deeply whitening teeth as professional treatments or strips with stronger bleaching agents. “Whitening toothpastes primarily polish teeth and can result in a brighter smile over time, but they may not significantly alter the natural color of your teeth.”
Whitening also depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the toothpaste and the exposure time to the enamel. For example, toothpastes typically contain 2-5% hydrogen peroxide, while whitening strips range from 7-14%, and in-office treatments can use up to 25% hydrogen peroxide. “Higher concentrations and longer exposure times generally lead to more noticeable results, especially when combined with LED lights that accelerate and enhance the effectiveness of whitening agents,” says Dr. Randhawa.
What to Look For in a Whitening Toothpaste
When choosing the best toothpaste for natural whitening, board-certified dentist Dr. Jaskaren Randhawa recommends looking for ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which helps with stain removal and polishing. Board-certified dentist Dr. Lauren Becker agrees, adding, “Continuous use of this toothpaste will give you a whiter, brighter smile from the comfort of your own home, at a fraction of the price of in-office whitening!”
Board-certified cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei also recommends carbamide peroxide as another effective choice. “These ingredients work by breaking down stains on the surface of the teeth and penetrating the enamel to whiten the teeth,” Wei explais.
The experts also emphasize the importance of selecting a toothpaste that is enamel-safe and gentle to prevent damage from overuse. When in doubt, Dr. Wei advises always consulting with a dental professional before using any whitening products to ensure they are safe and effective for your individual needs.
Is whitening toothpaste better for your teeth than whitening strips?
Not necessarily, says Dr. Becker, adding that it depends on the specific toothpaste and whitening strips being used. “Both can be beneficial and yield good results when used correctly.” However, Dr. Randhawa explains that whitening toothpaste is generally milder than whitening kits and can be used daily without causing significant sensitivity. “While whitening strips often provide more noticeable results, they are more aggressive and should be used less frequently. Whitening toothpaste is a good option for maintaining a white smile or for people with more sensitive teeth.”
How long does whitening toothpaste take to work?
Dr. Randhawa explains that whitening toothpastes typically take two to four weeks to show visible results. The timeline depends on the level of staining and the product used, with consistency being key. Regular brushing is required to see improvements. Dr. Becker adds that the timeline can also depend on what you’re consuming. Foods and drinks that easily stain, like turmeric, dark liquids, coffee, or tea, can make it more challenging to remove stains or see immediate results.
Dr. Horowitz reminds us that when switching to a new whitening toothpaste, it’s important to start by incorporating it once a day and monitor the results, as everyone may experience different reactions. “Keep an eye out for any changes or inflammation. If you notice any, stop using it and consult your dentist for advice.”
How soon after a staining beverages should you use a whitening toothpaste?
The experts say that 30 minutes after drinking a staining beverage (think: coffee, red wine, or tea) is the sweet spot—and definitely not any sooner. “Right after drinking these beverages, your enamel can be temporarily softened by the acidity, so brushing too soon can cause micro-abrasions,” says Dr. Rajpal, noting that waiting the recommended amount of time allows your enamel to re-harden. “This allows the whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains effectively without damaging the enamel,” Rajpal adds.
For immediate action before brushing teeth, experts advise rinsing your mouth with water to help dilute any staining potential.